Exit Thataway

EXIT SIGNS

Did you know that the federal government actually mandated that exit signs had to be Energy Star compliant? Back in 2005, the EPA said that the famous, red sign had to be made with an input of five watts or less. Apparently, they suspended it or something last year, but every Exit Sign made after Jan. 1st, 2006 must be Energy Star efficient and can only have an input of five watts or less.

And why not?

We have all seen that big, red, lighted sign and know what it means. I would imagine that even foreign visitors to our country - or any English-speaking country - are familiar with the Exit Sign and know what it means. Heck, I would figure it is one of the first things they learn and if they use a travel agency or anything like that, I feel confident they at least have literature explaining it. So why would they need bulbs any brighter?

Stuff like that just wastes energy and even if you are not the "greenest" of the bunch or whatever, that is one of the easiest things anyone can do to save. I fully understand that this is a small step, but stop and think about how many of those signs there are across teh nation. Better yet, think of just how many there are across your own city - then multiply that by a few tens of thousands or so. Now are you starting to get the picture?

There are also edicts and acts mandating many buildings open to the public have so many of these signs, in place and visible to any and everyone at all times. Libraries, theaters, schools, courthouses - the federal buildings alone usually have five, six, or more. And there are at least one or two of those in every town, no matter the size. All of that adds up and all of it saves energy that can be better used elsewhere - like in conjunction with efforts to cure the common cold, or maybe the Swine Flu. Stuff like that.

Now Get THIS:

So I called the Lexington (TN) Electric Company earlier this week - this is the same company which went around and around with me for about six months, trying to convince me they had sent a $40 check back to the bank (because utility companies do that... oh that's right, they do not - nor did this one) - and they got smart with me both times. They provided me no information, were curt, and basically told me I have to find a ride 20 miles into town - absolutely no other options, not for the disabled, not for the elderly, not for shit - and bring my driver's license and something with my social security number on it.

So I do this.

And then they tell me I need a $75 security deposit, along with a $25 connection fee, as well as a $25 same-day service fee. Regardless of the fact that I have been a customer there for over three years now - so long, in fact, that they showed me where they had refunded me the $50 security deposit I made three damned years ago - you know, because I was such a good and timely customer.

I don't have $125! I didn't even know I needed $125, otherwise I may well have been able to do something about it before the 1^st, you know? I honestly don't know what, but still...

Now, here's the real kicker: I have over $250 credited to my account right now. The Lexington Electric Company (aka, LES) - that's Lexington, TN, you understand - told me that would be applied to my bill, but not my $125 connection fee.

It costs $120 non-refundable to connect gas and water. This is in addition to the $125.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Watch X-Men Free @ Marvel

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Goodnight

I know I got a late start and haven't been here much the last several days, but what can I say? The move is taxing and isn't even over yet. Of course, we still have to get settled once we get over there, so it's a whole... process. Lengthy and incredibly tiresome, not to mention emotionally draining.

I have got to try and sleep. So long as things stay okay with the computer, which crashed bigger than shit after some frigging update, I'll be here at least a little the next few days. I don't know what to tell you about next week.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Office Coming to Adult Swim

Adult Swim broke the mainstream entertainment news tonight with details of their acquisition of the British sensation, The Office. This is the original series upon which the American version was based. While the American version comes pretty close to it, in general, The Office is simply brilliant, largely because it is so real. You will feel downright uncomfortable at times, exactly the way you do at work and for the same reasons!

Truly brilliant TV you are sure to love and a fitting match for Adult Swim.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Michelle Obama Second-Printing

Following the recent sellouts of Female Force: Hillary Clinton and Female Force: Sarah Palin titles, Bluewater Productions is proud to announce that the comic book Female Force: Michelle Obama has completely sold-out and is going back for a second printing. The news happens on the release date of the comic book.

“The demand has exceeded our aggressive projections,” said Bluewater Productions publisher Darren G. Davis. “Mrs. Obama is proving to be even more popular than our Clinton and Palin books. It’s a validation that there is continued interest in biographical titles.”

“Comic book stores that have ordered this title will have them on the release date of April 29”, said Davis “It is important if you want a 1^st-printing to call your local comic book stores and have them hold it for you”

According to Diamond Distributor, Female Force: Michelle Obama has become the highest selling non-premier comic book for April 2009. The first printing of the title will be available on April 29^th.

The second printing of the comic will feature a new cover entitled “Nighttime at the White House” by Vinnie Tartamella.

“I’m very encouraged over the buzz and reviews the books are getting. This opens the door to explore the lives of dozens and dozens of high profile, influential, and yes, in some cases, controversial women,” Davis added.

Female Force: Caroline Kennedy, Female Force: Princess Diana, and Female Force: Condoleeza Rice are already in production and scheduled for release in the coming months. Several other biographies series like Political Power: Colin Powell, are currently in development.

The “Female Force” series was recently featured on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” CNN, MSNBC and Fox News, and in People magazine, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and thousands of other media outlets.

To find a comic book store near you, go to the comic shop locator, www.comicshoplocator.com. “Female Force” books are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site’s top 300 books.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image's Descendant

Dolce, Perry, and Navarro bring super-spies to super-powers this July!

29 April 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This July, indie superhero favorite writers Michael Dolce and Marcus Perry join illustrator Mariano Navarro and cover artist Tyler Kirkham for their three issue mini-series exploring the dangerous side of superpowers, DESCENDANT.

"It's very hard to find a new spin on superpowers, but I think Mike, Marcus and Mariano have done it," Image Comics Vice-President Jim Valentino said. "DESCENDANT is completely different than any other book on the stands, but will be a big hit with fans of SLEEPER, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and SECRET WARRIORS while surprising them like no other book can."

In DESCENDANT, Rayne Santiago, a United States counter-terrorism soldier, is forced to return to her South American homeland after years of exile due to abusing her own innate pyrokinetic abilities. There, she receives word of her brothers' abduction by a rogue pharmaceutical conglomerate bent on using their DNA to manufacture super powers. Michael Dolce and Mariano Navarro's experience in the small press superhero field combined with Marcus Perry's past writing high-octane action films combines to tell a superpowered blockbuster the likes of which hasn't been seen.

DESCENDANT #1 (MAY090301), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores July 15^th, 2009.

- Just a note to say that I don't really dig comics which try to reinvent the wheel. When I was younger, I was always trying to do that - to "fix" the superhero concept - and the truth is that it doesn't need "fixing." Still, a fresh spin on it is cool and I'm interested to see how well this is accepted.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

UMOO

If you ever took Economics in school, you remember when you got the assignment to "play the stock market." The assignment is as old as Economics class (which really everyone should have to take) and basically goes like this:

The teacher assigns you $x and shows you how to read the market. You then "buy" your stocks and make your investments based on the information you have and what you think the market is going to do. After a week or however long, the class is graded on how well they did. Of course, the idea is just that; you don't necessarily have to "make money" to pass the assignment, but those who do tend to get better grades. Whenever we did it, we were always put into groups.

UMOO is kind of the same thing. It's a virtual stock market game in which you can earn real money! It does not cost much to "buy in" and it really dopes not matter if you are experienced or not. It is a fun, competitive environment in which the "winners" are those who perform the best - and they get cash prizes for doing so! Think of it "fantasy football" for the stock market.

UMOO is a fun, inexpensive, online game with real people - and it pays to play it! I am not much for the stock market - for a variety of reasons, I never did too well on that particular assignment. Still, they say UMOO is easy to play even if you are like me. The performance is based on real-life stocks and trades, so in a sense, you can see how well you would have performed, had you made an actual investment. Who knows? If you get good enough on UMOO, you just may find a new job!

Crash

The Vista box crashed day before yesterday and I have been fighting it ever since. Further, the 98 box would/will not connect! I don't know if it's because it's 98 or a different IP address (and the service thinks I'm trying to hack someone's account or whatever) or what, but it used to connect just fine. Now, it connects, then hangs up.

I know I missed the Marvel Rundown this week, but I've been fighting this all week after moving all weekend. I will post it tonight, for completeness and so you can double-check, if nothing else. I also don't know what to tell you about the rest of the week or next week.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Big Move Well Underway

Well, I wouldn't necessarily call it "The Big Move," since this place is very temporary. We may be there a bit longer than we hope, but we aren't going to be there for extremely long. I put a lot of my stuff in storage, including my comics and most of my old computer stuff... if something busts, it could be several days before I can fix it. And I'll be much farther from a library (I don't think anyone in this neighborhood is big on "Twitter," let us say).

But that's being ugly - and quite harsh - after all, the neighbors behind us were nice enough to let us run an extension cord from their house long enough to vacuum. And once we got some of our furniture and things in there, it felt a little more like "home." Hell, by the time we got the second load over there, I already knew where the holes in the floor were!

I'd love to take some time off and just be - I'm hurting, I'm bone-weary, and I'm under-nourished (and not hungry, which scares me), but I don't have any. Tomorrow, I have to get the mail forwarded, the phone moved, and all such. And there's still really a whole house of shit. I'm going to breakdown and part with a lot of it... years of Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, and more. I figure they've, you know, served me as well as they're going to, since they've been setting at my parents' house for however many years and setting under the bed here for the last two-three... I'm keeping all the years of Wired and so on.

Anyway, this is already far longer than I'd intended. I should be here for at least part of the day tomorrow and then throughout the week until Thursday-Friday. Some guest DJs would be nice, but I can't promise anything.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP: Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur, star of such TV sit-com classics as Maude and The Golden Girls has died. Spokespersons say she died at home of cancer at age 86.

Arthur won Emmys for both Maude and Golden Girls, as well as a Tony for the musical, Mame. She told reporters she wasn't concerned about typecasting. She landed her first big "break" (a role on All in the Family which led to Maude) at age 50, though she had been doing TV, movies, and stage plays for years.

She was last seen reading a selection from Pamela Anderson's book on Comedy Central's Roast of the Playboy bunny.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Moving Day

I knew I should have forced myself to get out of bed and go to Art Class last week. I knew it was the last real chance I was going to have to attend, at least immediately, but I simply could not peel myself off that bed. As things are playing out here, I probably could have made it today, but I obviously had to be here because it's moving day.

I honestly have no idea where we're going but we have almost another week to figure that out; I'm hoping we decide on something today, but can't say for sure. We're largely just moving the big things - furniture, many of the books, and so forth. I'm only going to keep some immediate necessities here, though - some pots, pans, flatware, and so on to eat with; the books I need right this minute; my tax information and banking stuff; bath and personals; clothes... etc. - anything that can fit in a car for when I finally do move away.

Anyway, I can't tell you what to expect these next few days - I don't know myself! I'll be around, though. I'll never be far away, little baby nerds. Shh. Never far.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Overlord Triumphant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

30 Days of Night Director Tapped for Twilight

30 Days of Night director, David Slade, has been named as the director of the third Twilight movie, Eclipse. It was reported that Slade will take a decidedly less gory approach to the tween-angst Twilight installment, which is being penned by Melissa Rosenberg, who scripted the last two episodes (Twilight and New Moon). Stephenie Meyer, authoress of the original Twilight series of novels, said she was "thrilled" Slade signed-on to direct and noted the saga has been "blessed with wonderful directorial talent."

Slade, who did Hard Candy in 2005, is also attached to comics scribe, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Viking: Image's Hottest Title

23 April 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Early yesterday, Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein's all-new, full-color ongoing crime series for the 9^th century, VIKING, debuted in a big way with a distribution-level pre-release sell-out weeks in advance, and nationwide reports of store sell-through!

"I can barely believe any of it. The response to this book has been crazier than anything I've ever worked on," Ivan Brandon said. "Nic and I are completely... totally blown away by the kind of retailer support and subsequent reader reaction we've been seeing. We were knocked-out by the initial distribution-level sell-out, but the reports we've received of subsequent sell-through are completely unbelievable. I'm getting notes from Los Angeles, Chicago... people are selling-out all over. Nic and I are trying to keep our heads down and work to make the rest of the series even better. Thanks so much to everyone involved for their support!"

VIKING has received praise - not only for its thrilling storyline as well as its lush, full-color artwork, but also the high-end production values and oversized Golden Age dimensions - unlike any other title on the stands. Even with the prestige production values on the series, it will maintain a $2.99 price point and the level of painted, full color artwork Nic produces on a bi-monthly basis. For those missing out in the initial print run, a second printing will be made available this May with a second issue coming in June.

VIKING 2^nd Ptg (FEB098570), a 24-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores May 6^th, 2009. VIKING #2 (APR090396), also a 24-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores June 13^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Evan Rachel Wood Coming to True Blood

If rumors are to be believed, Evan Rachel Wood will join the cast of True Blood for the second season as "The Vampire Queen of Louisiana," Sophie-Anne. While insiders say Wood has so far only been tapped for two episodes which will air late in the season, it is a major role - meaning True Blood fans are likely to see quite a bit of Evan Rachel Wood as the series goes on.

Sophie-Anne is a 500-year old, French vampiress who has had direct connections to some of the most powerful people in history. Reader comments are basically split, with half of them welcoming Wood to the role and the other half saying she does not look the part nor will she be able to bring it justice.

However, a lot of these same comments were decrying how far the TV show has veered from the True Blood written series. Apparently, the TV show is adding a lot of stuff not found in the original books, expanding characters and their roles, and dropping content and relationships it simply does not have room for. I, for one, welcome such changes. I have not read the books, but have always felt that TV and movie adaptations only have two options: either stick completely to the source or veer distinctly from it; those that try to portray the book faithfully while taking certain "liberties" based on "cinematic" whatever tend to disappoint both readers and viewers.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Hulk #11 - Art Adams Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Pushing Daisies Coming to DC

While the final three episodes of the canceled Pushing Daisies hit ABC May 30^th, Bryan Fuller told E! that DC Comics has ordered a 12-issue mini-series featuring the characters... and about 1000 zombies! "It's the Pie-Maker vs. 1000 corpses!" he said.

Originally, Fuller had mentioned Marvel when the subject of Pushing Daisies coming to comic books came about, but DC made the order, so DC is where they're headed. Fuller said he wrote the 12-issue story in such a way as to "blackmail them into ordering more comics," but admits they were "unable to blackmail ABC" and had to rewrite the final episode to give viewers a satisfying conclusion.

The 12-issue Pushing Daisies mini-series hits shelves this fall, but Comic-Con attendees may get a special, sneak-preview.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Terminator News

Producers are working on "getting the technology together" so that Arnold Schwarzenegger can make a cameo in the upcoming Terminator: Salvation. According to an interview the California governor-nator gave webcaster, Bill Bradley, he told director, McG, he didn't have time to do the movie, but would be willing to do it if they could figure out some way to include him without him having to perform. Which is what directors have been doing since Arnold Schwarzenegger started making movies, according to some. Apparently, they will doctor footage from the original Terminator to accommodate the governor's cameo.

In further Terminator-related news, a Fox insider told NY Magazine's Vulture to "consider [Terminator: The Sarah Connors Chronicles] canceled." As the magazine says, the official announcement is not likely to be made until Fox' fall schedule is announced, but many have been predicting the little-watched sci-fi show dead in the water pretty much since it began.

While The Sarah Connor Chronicles developed a pretty rabid fanbase, it remained small. The Rundown tried like heck to get into the show, but it just never "took." Characters came and went, the show itself came and went and moved around, and there just wasn't much meat on those bones to start with.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Agent Scully Joins Cast of Doctor Who

According to some sources, Gillian Anderson - Agent Scully from X-Files - will appear in the fifth series of Doctor Who as the Rani. Anderson is now residing in the UK and will appear onstage alongside former Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston, in a production of Ibsen's A Doll House. The Rani is a classic villain of the Timelord's, dating back to the 1980's series, and was originally portrayed by Kate O'Mara.

The fifth series of Doctor Who features newcomer, Matt Smith, as the Timelord.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Hulk #11 - Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Who is Overlord?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Eisner Nominee: Jo Chen - Best Cover Artist

Best Cover Artist: Jo Chen - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity (Dark Horse); Runaways (Marvel)

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Claremont Returns to the X-Men

Okay, this is a little... difficult to wrap one's head around. Chris Claremont is returning to the X-Men in a new title called X-Men Forever. It picks up where X-Men #3, Claremont's "official last" issue left off. That is, the X-Men unlimited series #3 issue from, like, 1991 or so. In this world, or universe, or whatever, the X-Men are as Claremont and Lee left them nearly 20 years ago. So whatever is happening in the other X-titles currently - and that's a lot, judging from all the Magik stuff that's been going down lately, etc. - has never happened in this incarnation of the team... I don't think. Or it will happen later. Or it is happening in another universe or multiverse. Or they are Skrulls.

Prior to the new "landmark, collector's item" X-Men Forever #1 comes X-Men Forever Alpha #1, collecting the first three issues by Claremont and Lee from back when even I was a kid (more or less), just so anyone under 30 still reading X-Men can "catch-up."

You know, they really are just funnybooks, but if nothing that happens in them actually matters, then why bother? Back in The Day, Storm once lost her powers. That was a really big thing and led to some truly classic comic books - I still re-read some of those issues now, when I want to experience comic books the way I remember them. These days, it really wouldn't be such a big deal, because Storm would have her powers in the other titles in which she appears, and/or we already know it doesn't matter because the Storm without her powers is a Skrull...

There's a better analogy for younger readers: I didn't keep up with who was a Skrull and who wasn't, but just think of whomever the "biggest reveal" was. It was pretty shocking, right? You probably really enjoyed finding that out and it explained all sorts of things and so on, and the ramifications of that reveal are still sweeping through several other titles you're reading, right?

Okay, that never happened. Well, it did, but in another multi-uni-verse, and to another incarnation of that character who was actually from the future.

Of course, comic books are soap operas, but at some point, it just loses all meaning.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Eisner Nominee: Omega the Unknown - Best Limited Series, Best Lettering

Omega the Unknown
Best Lettering: Farel Dalrymple

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

And So It Begins...

Things may be a bit off the next few weeks. We have to be vacated from the premises by 3:00p, April 30^th. That sounds a little... scandalous, huh? I just mean we have to be moved by then or else pay for another month, etc. I'm wondering if I'll miss this rotten shithole; I'm thinking not. Still, three years is long enough to grow attached to a place.

Anyway, I'd been telling myself "We've got two weeks," until a friend noted, "You have 10 days." Leave it to friends, you know? But I'm not getting nervous just yet. I realize I need a system - there is plenty of stuff to move before we get down to the essentials we are going to need handy for the remainder of our time here - I don't want to accidentally move something like my records when we still have two weeks and/or 10 days here.

I am perfectly stressed-out - I mean, a total wreck. More than just about anything, I'm worried sick about the 1^st being the very next day - that's bill-paying time! And even though we'll be out of here, we most certainly still have bills to pay... of course.

Anyway, I've got you fairly well covered for at least a few days. I've been up late nights all this past week, scheduling and sorting and so on. Things are certain to get sketchy at some point here, but for the very immediate future, you'll have plenty Rundowny goodness to keep you sated.

And I'm going to make this promise: wherever we end up, however this all plays out, in the end, I am finally going to be able to do at least half of the things I've always wanted to. I still haven't filed taxes - I got an extension at the very last minute! Just everything fell in my lap this month - all at the same time, too! So exhausting.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Behold: Geek-lactus!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Horse's Comic-Con International DOMO Exclusive

APRIL 15, MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse will offer attendees of this year's Comic-Con International the chance to grab a special, exclusive variant of their upcoming series of Domo "Qee" toys, a translucent variant produced in conjunction with Hong Kong based Toy2R. This special version will only be available at this year's event, held in San Diego, from July 23-26, 2009.

The special 2" version of the lovable mascot turned iconic viral superstar from Japan's NHK television network is growing in popularity in the United States. Dark Horse has been an early licensee of Domo, under the auspices of licensing agency Big Tent Entertainment, and has already produced sold-out limited editions of Domo as flocked vinyl figures, stationery, journals, and sculpted magnet products.

The Domo Qee program, to be launched nationwide in August, is Dark Horse's first try at the popular "blind box" or "mystery box" format. Individual figures are packed in small boxes; the only way to know which particular figure is inside a particular box is to purchase and open the box. In the Domo blind box assortment, figures are sold in counter displays of 15, and each display box of 15 figures is further packed into a master carton of four cases.

In addition, the boxes each contain one component of a "Build-A-Domo" clear transparent figure. When the correct six components are accumulated, the buyer can put together the complete bonus Domo. There will not be a "Build-A-Domo" component in the Comic-Con Exclusive figure.

"We presented a Comic-Con exclusive 5.5" Domo vinyl figure last year," recalls Dark Horse VP of Product Development, David Scroggy, "and were blown away as all of the limited-edition sold out. This year, with an entirely new toy, we expect an even faster depletion of our Comic-Con stock. Since last year's was a yellow variant, we chose the same color for the Qee toy."

Starting from a very unusual place as an advertising icon, Domo's unique look and personality has catapulted the character from 400 television spots in Japan into one of the Internet's biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has been able to transition from popularity within Japan to a worldwide following, spawning countless fan-made images, websites, and videos, along with a first-ever licensed product line including plush toys, fashion, and collectibles selling at major trend retailers nationwide. Most recently, Domo has taken America by storm, being featured prominently at major retailers all over the U.S. and even starring in his first worldwide manga.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 04-22-09

Here it is, your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics hitting shelves this Wednesday, April 22^nd, 2009:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
ASTONISHING X-MEN #29
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #23 (DR)
DAREDEVIL #118
DAREDEVIL #118 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
DARK AVENGERS #1 3RD PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
DARK AVENGERS #3 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #2 (DR)
DEADPOOL #8 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
FANTASTIC FORCE #1
GHOST RIDER #34
GHOST RIDER #34 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #13
HULK #11
HULK #11 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
HULK #11 ADAMS VARIANT
HULK #11 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #25
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #128 (DR)
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #128 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT (DR)
KICK-ASS #6
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #47
MARVELS: EYE OF THE CAMERA #5
MARVELS: EYE OF THE CAMERA #5 BLACK AND WHITE VARIANT
MIGHTY AVENGERS #24 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #52 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #52 BACHALO VARIANT (DR)
SECRET INVASION CHRONICLES #2
SKRULL KILL KREW #1 (DR)
SKRULL KILL KREW #1 SEIJIC VARIANT (DR)
THOR #601
THOR #601 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT
THUNDERBOLTS #128 3RD PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #1 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #2 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #71 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #14
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #14 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #35 (DR)
WOLVERINE: THE ANNIVERSARY ONE-SHOT
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X FILES
X-FORCE #14 (MW)
X-FORCE #14 CRAIN VARIANT (MW)
X-MEN: THE TIMES AND LIFE OF LUCAS BISHOP #3

Collections On-Sale:
DARK TOWER: TREACHERY PREMIERE HC
GAMBIT CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN VOL. 12: JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS DIGEST
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 9: SECRET INVASION BOOK 2 TPB
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 9: SECRET INVASION BOOK 2 TPB (DM ONLY)
NOVA VOL. 4: NOVA CORPS TPB
SHE-HULK VOL. 8: SECRET INVASION TPB
SHE-HULK VOL. 8: SECRET INVASION TPB (DM ONLY)
SPIDER-MAN 2099 VOL. 1 TPB
THE X-MEN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC ROSS COVER
THE X-MEN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC KIRBY COVER (DM ONLY)
WOLVERINE: NOT DEAD YET PREMIERE HC
WOLVERINE: NOT DEAD YET PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
WOLVERINE: WORST DAY EVER GN-HC

*DR = Dark Reign tie-in
*MW = Messiah War tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Miami Dating

This post has been removed.

Eisner Nominee: Thor - Best Ongoing Series

Thor
Best Writer: J. Michael Straczynski - Thor, The Twelve
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Olivier Coipel/Mark Morales, Thor

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Launches Captain America Week

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Will Smith and Sci-Fi Have Unfinished Business

The Sci-Fi Channel is teaming-up with executive producer and movie star, Will Smith; Emmy-nominated screenwriter, Sally Robinson; and Emmy-winner, Mikael Salomon to bring us Unfinished Business. Unfinished Business, a crime procedural, centers on an ex-police officer who begins seeing memories from the recently deceased. The visions compel him to right wrongs and settle the departed's unfinished business.

Unfinished Business joins The Phantom and Riverworld as ongoing series which will premiere with two-hour episodes. The Sci-Fi Channel is rebranding itself to "SyFy" this July in attempts to distance itself from its core audience and attract new viewers who might otherwise not watch the network.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Eisner Nominee: Dave Stewart - Best Colorist

Captain America White

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Here Comes SKAAR!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Formatting: Eisner Awards

Just a quick technical note FYI:

I am developing a new format for handling Eisner nominees this year, since it's too difficult to include all of the images I receive in one e-mail into one post. The posts layout differently once published than when creating them, because of the sidebar, which is what takes me so damned long on some of these things... You would think simply adding pictures is the easiest thing in the world to post, but I honestly spend more time on those than almost all the others; I tend to publish them, then go back in and fix them once they're out there.

Anyway, this year I am going to post the included image and the name of the title (being nominated) beneath it. The title of the post will include the category, along with the nominee's. I expect PRs on nominees to continue through the next week or two, so there will be a lot of these. However, I think it's kinda cool - especially if you have hi-speed access!

We'll see how things go and take it from there.

Also tomorrow (well, today, actually), I have muchos running-around early-on - I'm figuring on being gone 3-4 hours, then we have to start packing the house - and we don't even have a place in which to move yet!

Stressful situation, y'all.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Yamaha Recalls SxS

This is a pretty important post, and one you simply must read if you or someone you know rides ATVs - specifically, the Yamaha Side by Side (SxS), because Yamaha has issued a recall.

Yamaha has recalled its Rhino Side by Side ATVs due to the high risk of rollover. The model was manufactured without doors on the passenger compartment. When it begins to tip-over, many passengers out their foot out to attempt to steady the vehicle. Unfortunately, few are able to do so, resulting in fractured legs.

There have actually been several injuries reported in regards to the Rhino, including broken legs, broken arms, even severe head and spinal cord injuries. Some of these injuries have been extremely serious - even devastating. Many have prompted lawsuits, prompting Yamaha to issue this massive recall.

Yamaha Rhino Rollover is attributed to the high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase of the vehicle. It may be second-nature for you to stick your foot out of the ATV in an attempt to steady it when it starts to tip, but FIGHT THAT URGE! Better yet, do not play with fire; return the vehicle and buy a different one. It simply is not worth the risk.

Again, the rollover rate and associated injuries are so high, so numerous, that Yamaha has issued a recall of the entire line. This is a very serious, very urgent, matter to which you must attend if you or someone you know is an owner, operator, or rider of the Yamaha Rhino SxS All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Get a four-wheeler; they are safer and more fun.

The O Cancels Columbine Show

We may need an Oprah tag... it would get real big for a couple months, then go down to like one or two posts, then balloon back up! But I digress. Oprah Winfrey decided to cancel her show, already taped and set to air today, addressing the 10th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, saying in a statement on both her website and Facebook page, "I decided to pull the Columbine show today. After reviewing it, I thought it focused too much on the killers." I do not know if she tweeted it. A show about a mother recently released from prison will run its place.

The Columbine show, entitled 10 Years Later: The Truth about Columbine, was being advertised locally this morning.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Incognito Must-Have One-Shot Collects Sold-Out Issues

Marvel is pleased to announce that Incognito #1 & #2, which quickly sold-out of both their first and second printings, are collected in the all-new Incognito Must-Have One-Shot. From the Eisner-winning, noir dream team of Ed "The Man Who Killed Captain America" Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Val Staples, Incognito presents the gripping story of a former super-villain in the witness protection program. But when he starts using his powers again, does it spell the end of his rehabilitation... and his very life? Collecting the first two issues of the acclaimed limited series, Incognito Must-Have One-Shot is the perfect jumping-on point for the book that critics and fans agree is a hit! Plus, this collection features a new cover by Phillips!

"It's hard to believe, two issues in, we're still seeing the demand for Incognito going through the roof like this," said Brubaker. "Two major sellouts in a row. I couldn't be more stunned and grateful that people are checking out what Sean and I are doing."

Marvel would also like to congratulate Val Staples for his Eisner nomination in the category of "Best Coloring" for his work on Incognito and Criminal.

Don't miss the series that ComicBookResources.Com deems "a violent, dirty-sexy, noir superhero comic - one that works brilliantly" in the new Incognito Must-Have One-Shot!

INCOGNITO MUST-HAVE ONE SHOT (MAR098005)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Art & Cover by SEAN PHILLIPS
Mature Content/No Ads …$4.99
FOC—4/23/09, FOC—5/13/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ip Man Wins Big Prize at Hong Kong Film Awards

Alright, so this is a blog about Americana, but what's more American than kung-fu? Oh. Well, we cover entertainment in general, if you will recall. I think this is a fantastic time in which we live - one of true hope and good intentions. I only hope those good intentions don't put us in a bad position, but I'm trying not to think negatively. It's wonderful that we get to hear more about China and its culture these days, and that's why I wanted to bring you this post:

The Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) are awarded annually and have been since their inception in 1982. Like the Oscars, the awards have many categories and the event is to honor Chinese filmmakers. Unlike the Oscars, voting is open to all registered voters, as well as critics, and a select group of "adjudicators." Much like the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys, those who deserve to win don't always get the trophy: Jackie Chan has been nominated 10 times and has yet to win!

This year, a film about the man in whose shadow Jackie Chan might forever had been (Bruce Lee, of course), Ip Man, won for Best Picture. John Woo's big picture, Red Cliff, did very little, though it won big in technical categories (including Best Visual Effects). A mockumentary about life in an average village, The Way We Are, swept the main categories, including Best Actress and Director.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

SKAAR IS COMING!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Jackie Chan on the Chinese

Since AP released it under the salacious headline, "Chinese Must Be Controlled," a lot of negative comments have popped-up concerning political activism in Hollywood, Chan's age, and so forth. If you actually read the article (which I cannot link to because I do not support the Associated Press and also because it will only be up for a short time before it is archived and asks you to pay to see it), action star and living legend, Jackie Chan, is being as forthright about his culture and country as he can. In fact, I was actually shocked, not by what he said so much as the fact that he was allowed to say it - and/or dared to (whatever the case may be)!

I mean, he is Jackie Chan, so I guess he's kind of beyond the communist regime's reach, but I wouldn't be so sure. He is a worldwide phenomenon and has been for years, but the Chinese government does not brook so much as a single ounce of bullshit; if they really wanted to, they might go after Jackie Chan. He'd beat the hell out of all the soldiers they sent using his bare fists and a discarded candy wrapper, then escape via a shoestring and a passing pelican, but they might still try.

Anyway, Chan is now 55-years old and has seen the world - the entire world! Of any and every -one you can think of, who (besides maybe Bono) has seen as much of life and this world as Jackie Chan? He knows a thing or two, so his comments resonate, regardless of his profession. And, taken out of context, saying "we Chinese need to be controlled" sounds pretty... pro-Communist China. Maybe it is and maybe it isn't, but let's get a little background and context here, shall we?

He was speaking to an audience the AP reports as being "predominantly Chinese business leaders," as part of a panel entitled "Tapping into Asia's Creative Industry Potential" during the annual Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), which is a non-governmental, non-profit organization modeled after the World Economic Forum. However, it owes much to China, if not its government, for getting it started (Wikipedia notes its founding was "driven by the People's Republic of China") and its physical address is in Hainan, China. This year's BFA was held in Hainan, China.

Chan's full statement was originally in response to a question posed him as to censorship of Chinese filmmakers. He expanded his comments to cover society, in general, and because the BFA was specifically founded to bring together leaders and luminaries to discuss socio-political issues - including economics, integration, environment, and society, in general - it isn't like he was accepting a fricking Oscar; he was a guest, expressly invited as an expert in his field (Asia's Creative Industry) to discuss these topics - and Jackie Chan has no peers in his field.

I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not; I'm really confused now. If you're too free, you're like the way Hong Kong is now. It's very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic. I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled; if we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want.

- from the Associated Press article, in accordance with U.S. Fair Use Guidelines

At first, I thought Chan had more or less been given a script to read, but Jackie Chan has never really supported the move for Democracy his home province is now pushing for (Hong Kong), at least not publicly; if he secretly wants Hong Kong to become a Democratic state, he has not said so.

He choked-up when he mentioned the contaminated milk episode, then went further in his criticism of Chinese manufacturing and products, at one point saying, "If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV - a Chinese TV might explode."

So Jackie Chan is in favor of Communist control for Hong Kong at this point in time, so what? It is very possible that Beijing is right when it says the province isn't ready for Democracy. The fact that Jackie Chan agrees leads me to think there's something to it. The guy's at least visited damn near every place in the entire world - he's experienced life in a variety of places, containing a variety of cultures under numerous governmental structures - if he says his birthplace is better-off under Communist control, who are we to argue?

Of course, I am not completely naive; he may very well have been told/warned to remain pro-communist/pro-China in his statements to the assembly. But I do believe Jackie Chan was, at least mostly, speaking from the heart on the issues he discussed, and he certainly knows China, Hong Kong, and Chinese people better than I, so... you know. Whatever.

I just wanted to make that all a little clearer for everyone who's only heard the inflammatory "Chinese need to be controlled" bit.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Catheters Ensure You Don't Miss a Thing on TV

This is an exciting time to be alive. I mean, computers and the Web, mobile phones capable of accessing the Web, America and Cuba are even talking again! All things considered, it is a great time to be alive and in America. But even with TiVo and DVRs, every last one of us has missed something on our favorite TV show because we simply could not hold it any longer.

Allegro catheters eliminates the need to leave the couch when you need to... eliminate. Never again will you miss what happened on your favorite TV show just because your bladder thinks it runs the house. Just imagine if it had happened at the very end of the Sopranos series! After all those years of dedicated viewing, you would have no idea whatever became of the family you had come to love and care for.

And it doesn't stop there; Allegro has nearly 60,000 healthcare and related products in just under 50 categories with hundreds of sub-categories. But do not let that dissuade you; their large website is easy to navigate and you can find what you need. Allegro Medical is one of the most tech-savvy, independently-owned online retailers of health and life-enhancing products in the world.

Just follow the link above to find out more!

War of the Marvels

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ashton Kutcher: King of Twits

Yes, Ashton Kutcher (aka, Mr. Demi Moore) beat CNN's Newsbreak in the Great Twitter-Off. The Weirding began covering the race over to The Cyberculturalist because it really is an historic development within the Cyberculture, though not quite momentous enough to warrant an Oprah Winfrey Show and Anderson Cooper's live coverage... but whatever. Now that The Almighty O is officially a Twit - proving husbands everywhere right, some 20 years later - Twitter is officially an entertainment-related subject. Not to mention played-out.

As a sidenote - and one which, on the one hand, makes me LOL, and OTOH, makes me ashamed for doing so - Britney Spears tried her darndest to get in on the whole thing. I mean, that's kinda harsh - to get cliqued-on by the "cool crowd" on fucking Twitter.

And a whole lot of celebrities are taking to the service as it becomes the newest buzzword to hate. Why, exactly, I cannot say. Neither can newscaster, Katie Couric: "I don't think anybody gives a rat's ass whether I am about to eat a tuna sandwich. I don't even care."

Nor can John Mayer, who called the service "...inherently silly and inherently dumb. It’s one step away from sending pictures of your poop." Yes, John Mayer. Which I find interesting largely because I wouldn't even know what the hell a John Mayer is, had he not dated Jennifer Aniston (or not, whatever).

I will have more on Twitter as it concerns both the Cyberculture and communications over to The Cyberculturalist, and probably even Weird Ink (I loathe the concept of random IMs being referred to as "microblogging"), but it is very much the current site du celebre, so seeing posts about it here are basically unavoidable.

At the end of the day, Ashton Kutcher got 1 million Twitter followers before CNN and Oprah Winfrey "tweeted" for the first time on TV (it smelled faintly of roses) - and she yelled at everyone! - and Twitter is now officially a part of Cyber history, regardless of the fact that it serves no real purpose, introduces no technology nor forwards any, and will soon be abandoned by everyone who is rushing to create an account.

And all because of The O.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spidey is an American Son

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A Word

Yes, I'm doing the late-night thing again. With dial-up, it's just easier to work overnight than fight the incoming calls, all of which seem to knock me offline. I'm thinking of adding call-waiting to my line just so I can block it; I never seemed to get knocked offline with "*70,". Then again, I didn't used to get knocked offline at all! I don't know wtf. Either way, with everything that's going on these days, I need to have the phoneline free most of the day pretty much all week long, if not everyday.

I'm trying to schedule things to post throughout the day so it doesn't really seem like I'm not here, but that gets tricky if you do it too far in advance - especially on the occasions when I am here and something goes down which I want to blog about. More than once, I've had posts with conflicting timestamps. Even more often, I've screwed the timestamp up and ended-up "backposting" - or would that be "post-posting"? Whatever.

I'm hoping I can keep this going in a similar fashion throughout this nerve-wracking process, but I've no idea - I'm just going with what little I've got right this minute. I'll always respond to comments and be around to post them at least once a day (every two days, at the longest), so let me hear from you!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Martin Direct

Martin Worldwide has been the leader of the direct marketing industry for over a decade now. They are the #1 provider of direct mailing lists in the nation, but they are far more than your basic list provider. From conception to application to follow-up, Martin Worldwide's dedicated customer service representatives will guide you through your direct marketing campaign. And with their 100% guarantee, if your list does not perform to expectations, they will replace the data for free!

Martin maintains an expansive database of in-demand lists, from new homeowner lists to mobile devices to opt-in e-mail lists. The latter is particularly important these days, as more and more large companies are becoming concerned with spam; you certainly do not want your company garnering a reputation for sending or being involved with spam! Martin Worldwide can provide you with e-mail lists to get you started, help you decide and implement your deployment, and all points between. You simply discuss your needs with one of their trained representatives and they will customize a campaign to fill your needs and help you all the way down the line. They will even provide you with the best surveying and data collection tools for your campaign, so you can gauge its performance in real-time. And don't forget that 100% guarantee!

Martin also maintains effective business mailing lists for all your B2B concerns. "B2B" became a buzzword a few years ago and everyone was twittering about it (well, there was no Twitter then, but I use that because "twittering" is a buzzword today - I, to, you know, like, make the point... but you knew that. And I digress), but the long and short of it is "business to business" transactions, communications, and so forth. What's really exciting about B2B is when you connect with like-minded businesses in or outside of your field with which you can collaborate. For example, a small printing press connecting with a small publisher. Often, the two are able to make arrangements beneficial to both. Or maybe your business provides businesses with wholesale goods or services. Either way, Martin Worldwide can provide you with targeted and/or general lists to get you off the ground.

Martin Worldwide provides far more than just direct market mailing lists; follow any of the links above to learn how Martin Worldwide can help your business grow.

New Mutants #1 - Benjamin Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Aykroyd Vows to Sign Weaver

Dan Aykroyd, co-writer of the Ghostbusters series, has vowed to get Sigourney Weaver onboard for the third installment. All of the other original actors have signed-on to Ghostbusters 3. But as for what to expect otherwise, Aykroyd is playing coy.

He told MTV that it will feature "...a whole new generation that has to be trained. And that whole new generation will be led by an individual who you’ll all love when you meet him but I’m not going to tell you anything yet."

Ghostbusters 3 hits theaters in 2011.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Chew to Debut in Walking Dead

16 April 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - John Layman and Rob Guillory's highly anticipated, June-shipping, ongoing crime series (with a sick, yet tasteful, twist), CHEW, will make its first full appearance this May in the comic book blockbuster, THE WALKING DEAD.

"Having CHEW debut in WALKING DEAD is extremely appropriate, considering I hope CHEW does for cannibalism what WALKING DEAD did for zombies," Layman said. "Seriously, Rob and I are very flattered to have CHEW debut in one of the biggest books out there today. While very different in its approach, I think fans of Kirkman and Adlard's ongoing saga of human survival despite the worst possible situations will love Detective Tony Chu's ongoing saga of surviving the worst possible situations despite his very distinct and sometimes burdening ability. It's going to be a weird, wild ride."

CHEW's star, Detective Tony Chu, is a cop with a secret. As a Cibopathic, Detective Chu gets a psychic impression from whatever he eats. While it means he's a hell of a Detective if he can stomach the evidence, once his secret gets out, the government makes plans for him whether he likes it or not. CHEW blends horror, mystery, and the strangest ability of them all in an ongoing series of horrific crimes solved in the most horrific way possible. The preview in THE WALKING DEAD will give fans their very first glimpse into CHEW's dark underworld and the lone man with a literal taste for bringing down the criminal empire.

THE WALKING DEAD writer, Robert Kirkman, added, "John Layman's an excellent writer who has done fantastic work for Marvel and DC, but I'm even more excited he's bringing his creator-owned series to Image. CHEW is an extremely original concept that's ideal for what Image looks for. I couldn't be be happier to debut the series in THE WALKING DEAD and look forward to reading the series."

THE WALKING DEAD #61 (MAR092467), a 32-page black & white comic book featuring the preview of CHEW #1 for $2.99, will be in-stories May 13^th, 2009. CHEW #1 (APR090337), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores June 3^rd, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

SKAAR IS COMING!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spears' Peeper Arrested

A woman wearing camouflage and carrying a camera was arrested outside of Britney Spears' home. Miranda Tozier-Robbins was caught peeping into the Spears' house windows. She was cited for trespassing and disorderly conduct and let go. Britney Spears' whereabouts at the time are unknown.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Female Force: Palin, Clinton in Third-Printing

The second-printing of Bluewater Productions comic books Female Force: Sarah Palin and Female Force: Hillary Clinton have sold out, and a third printing is planned for both.

The latest two installments of the Female Force series have drawn a firestorm of media attention, including features on Live with Regis and Kelly, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, and in People magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and thousands of blogs and other media outlets.

The Female Force series features some of the most influential women of our time.

"We overprinted both of these titles by 20% to allow for additional sales," said Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis. "But the media attention sent sales through the roof again, so we get to offer a third printing."

The second run of both Female Force books is scheduled for release April 22^nd.

The third printing of the comics will feature new covers by artist Vinnie Tartamella. Hillary Clinton's suit gets a makeover in the third edition and Sarah Palin is featured with her classic wink.

Female Force: Michelle Obama will be available April 29^th. Davis said demand for the book is high and it is on-track to sell-out.

Three more Female Force titles - featuring Caroline Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Condolleeza Rice - are in production and scheduled for release in the coming months. A biographical series of political figures under the banner Political Power is already in production. The first book features Colin Powell.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Marvel Art of Marco Djurdjevic

Marvel is pleased to unveil Marko Djurdjevic’s stunning cover to the hotly-anticipated The Marvel Art of Marko Djurdjevic HC. Djurdjevic has quickly established himself as one of the most powerful and compelling creative forces in the industry, earning universal praise and acclaim for his work. Now, for the first time, go behind the scenes with a veritable treasure trove of art from Djurdjevic, plus sketches and insight into his creative process. Loaded with over 200 pieces of gorgeous, jaw dropping art, commentary and more, this deluxe landscape art book is a must for any Marvel fan, new or old!

"A friend of [Marvel Editor-in-Chief] Joe Quesada sent me some of the designs Marko posted online and I was blown away," said Editorial Talent Coordinator Chris Allo of how Djurdjevic came to Marvel. "He jumped at the opportunity to work in comics and even though his digital painting process was new to many in the industry, he won over anyone on the fence once they saw his X-Men: First Class covers. The rest, as they say, is history!"

From Daredevil to Thor to the X-Men, Djurdjevic’s brought Marvel’s greatest characters to life and now you can bring home a hardcover collection of it all with The Marvel Art of Marko Djurdjevic HC!

THE MARVEL ART OF MARKO DJURDJEVIC HC (FEB092604)
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$49.99

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

They Can't *All* be Geeks

According to the 2008 UK census report, ¹/₃ of all men between the ages of 20 and 34 live with their parents. Of course, we geeks get pretty tired of the stereotype about how we live in our mom's basement.

As a side-note, I am moving into my mom's basement. True story. Granted, it's only temporary, but you know how these things go. I already have a cabin on the river picked-out, but I honestly need the time to get my finances in order... and my general shit together. But I can't live with my parents at 34 - hell, I couldn't live with my parents at 18!

The same census noted people are waiting to have children and get married, as well as that marriage was down significantly from previous years - at its lowest in over a century, actually! I have neither children nor a wife. What does this mean? Well, one could view it as my being perfectly in-step with my peers and age group - or it could be that I'm actually British.

More than anything, I think it means the criteria for being a "geek" or "nerd" has changed over the last decade or so. These days, almost every household has a computer and pretty much everyone in the family uses it - most use it to access the Web. Even back in 1999, but especially prior to 1995 or so, this would have made the entire household a pack o' nerds; these days, those without computers and Internet are the ones ridiculed.

But I'm pretty sure being a 34-year old man who reads comics regularly and plays D&D makes me a nerd. By any standard.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spider-Man: American Son

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Cory Walker Returns to Invincible

15 April 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Yesterday afternoon during G4 TV series Attack of the Show's Fresh Ink segment, Blair Butler announced acclaimed artist and INVINCIBLE co-creator, Cory Walker, will return to illustrating INVINCIBLE in a two-part story setting the stage for the upcoming 'Viltrumite War'!

"While Cory has been working behind the scenes in the INVINCIBLE crew, it's great to have him back for these two very special issues," INVINCIBLE co-creator and writer, Robert Kirkman, said. "They're going to be pretty damn momentous in the grand scheme of INVINCIBLE as we place the spotlight on INVINCIBLE's dad, Nolan, and his new partner, Allen the Alien, while they seek the only weapons capable of taking down the Viltrumite empire. It's gonna be awesome!"

Walker and Kirkman's newest creative collaboration takes place after the fan-favorite issue in which Invincible's father, Nolan, broke free from Viltrumite prison with the assistance of Allen the Alien. Their successful escape led to Nolan joining forces with Allen and the Coalition of Planets in their efforts at taking down the Viltrumite empire. Walker's new action-packed two-part shocker will have ramifications leading up to the major confrontation the entire series has been building toward, as the 'Vitrumite War' begins in INVINCIBLE #75.

INVINCIBLE #66, a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores September, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Bested by TurboTax!

So, if I go through TurboTax one way, I get a big, fat goose-egg for a return; if I go about it another way, I could get back $1000s+! Theoretically speaking (I didn't figure it all the way through). And I'm not talking about cheating - actually, that's the whole point: I don't know which way is the "right" one, so I just filed for an extension.

Basically, if I put all of my business expenses under Business Expenses, I don't owe anything, but I get (at best), like, $33.00 back or 0, depending on how I figure my Internet costs (which are technically 100% deductible, but I don't get anything back if I list it as a straight home-office expense, and for some reason get like a $30+ refund if I list Internet as a "all around the house" expense - no effing sense to this madness, whatsoever); but if I list my business expenses as deductions, I make a nice chunk o' cash for 2008 and owe quite a bit, but am apparently eligible for the EIC, which will not only offset the amount I owe, it should give me a refund...

I went back and forth all morning and I still can't figure it out. There really is some arcane amounts that you can enter on these pages that literally gives you refunds of thousands of dollars; you change one of those numbers so much as a single dollar, and you owe hundreds! I really need to find someone who knows this stuff better than I. I sure as hell don't want to screw this up! Plus, if it turns out I did my 2007 taxes wrong, I may be able to amend them and get some money back from there, as well.

A real hassle.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

SKAAR is Coming!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dollars, Taxes

Yes, I am one of the estimated 20 million still doing my taxes today. Truthfully, I am not so much actively doing them as avoiding them. I still have to pull out tons of folders and sift through dozens, maybe even hundreds, of papers. Since the tax man oweth me (a rare and pleasant change), I may file for an extension.

Anyway, I'll be here just whenever I can.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image Joins FOC

14 April 2009 - Earlier today, Diamond Comics Distributors released the details behind Image Comics' highly anticipated Final Order Cutoff program set to debut this April.

“We’ve been enthusiastic about implementing FOC for quite some time now,” Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said. “FOC allows retailers to test the waters with our all of our new projects, whether they’re by seasoned veterans or comics’ newest names, with limited risk, while still getting all the benefits of supporting a series from the floorboards up."

The Final Order Cutoff program will include all Image Central titles and partner studios Top Cow, Todd McFarlane Productions, and Silverline Books. The Final Order Cutoff gives retailers greater flexibility to increase, decrease, and even cancel orders only 20 days before release. This will apply not just to titles shipping by the April 20^th debut, but also those that have not yet shipped, giving retailers the confidence to immediately increase support of Image's full line of titles.

Final Order Cutoff will begin April 20^th for titles shipping May 13^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009